What type of specialized cell is involved in sexual reproduction?

The type of specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction is a gamete. Gametes are the reproductive cells that combine during fertilization to form a new organism. In humans and many other organisms, there are two types of gametes: sperm, which are male gametes, and eggs (ova), which are female gametes. The primary function of gametes is to carry genetic information from one generation to the next, ensuring genetic diversity through sexual reproduction.

In contrast, soma cells do not play a direct role in reproduction; rather, they make up the bulk of an organism's tissues and organs. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting nerve impulses and facilitating communication within the nervous system, but they are not involved in reproductive processes. Stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types and can contribute to growth and repair, but they are not directly responsible for sexual reproduction. Thus, the gamete is fundamentally the correct answer, as it is integral to the process of sexual reproduction.